Bishop'S House

LICHFIELD

SK1109NE THE CLOSE 1094-1/5/211 (South side) 06/03/70 Bishop's House

GV II

House. Mainly C18 remodelling of probably medieval building, with some original elements and extensive C19 remodelling and re-facing. Brick with ashlar and rock-faced stone dressings; double-span fishscale tile roof with brick cross-axial and end stacks. Double-depth plan. 2 storeys with basement and attic; symmetrical 3-window range; 2 gables. Rock-faced plinth, drip course over ground floor and Lombard friezes to bases of gables; enriched bargeboards. Entrance has porch influenced by C17 example at Tutbury Castle, Staffs, rock-faced stone with stop-chamfered angles and gablet to parapet, shouldered lintel and inner half-glazed door. Windows have ashlar surrounds and transomed casements; 3-light windows to ground floor with single lights flanking porch; 1st floor has cross-casement windows flanking 2-light window; single-lights to attic. Right return has older brick to basement with older brick and 3-light leaded casement; segmental-headed stair window with stained glass. Left return has probably medieval wall to basement returned to front with later brick wall above; 3-light transomed casement with leaded glazing; projecting gable to left and C20 re-entrant block. Rear has stone and early brick to base, some quoins to gabled element to left; basement has Tudor-arched blocked door and 3 windows with 3-light casements; C20 iron balcony to ground floor. INTERIOR: C20 stair to left end and earlier stick-baluster stair to right end; basement has vaulted front range and rear range with chamfered beams, one room with wine storage bins, another with copper; most rooms have simple details, but rear left room has Tudor-arched alcove and similar recess; cornice with roundels; Tudor-arched fireplace. (Victoria History of the County of Stafford: Greenslade M W: Lichfield: Oxford: 1990-: P.66; Buildings of England: Pevsner N: Staffordshire: London: 1974-: P.189).

Listing NGR: SK1153709704